PEACHES AND DREAMS
After studying visual arts for 4 years, Billie Justice Thomson (her real name) decided to fully fledge herself to the painting practice. Billie’s work reflects her obsession with the kitsch, nostalgia and iconic food imagery. The paintings in her new exhibition, Peaches and Dreams, are displayed on glass and perspex, referencing old shop windows or displays with symbols of domestic simplicity.
What: Art and food
Where: M1ng Gallery, 111 Fergie Street Fitzroy North
When: Now until Jan 19, 2012
Web: www.facebook.com/events/311660375513814/

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS AT THE BOULEVARDSure it’s cheesy, but it’s a Melbourne tradition and we like it. Ever since Ivanhoe resident George Whitelaw encouraged a few neighbours to set up some lights and decorations in the street back in 1955, The Boulevard in Ivanhoe has become Christmas bling central. Every year 10,000 or so people a night drive and walk along to street to see those stately houses abuzz with high-voltage Christmas cheer that would make Clark Griswald proud.
What: Christmas cheer
Where: The Boulevard, Ivanhoe
When: Now until Dec 24

WAITRESSING AND OTHER THINGS I DO WELL
Gillian Cosgriff’s show Waitressing won 2nd prize in a cabaret contest. Her actual waitressing has won her no prizes. Shows where actors act out their real life experiences of being out-of-work actors are often mildly annoying, although not as annoying as stories where writers write about how hard it is to write. This is not one of these shows. For a start there’s singing. Gillian’s songs are honest, fun and entertaining and carried by a charming charisma. It’s a show about doing things you don’t like in order to do something you love and that’s something everyone can relate to.
What: Cabaret
Where: Chapel off Chapel, Prahan
When: Now till December 23
Web: chapeloffchapel.com.au

PLAGUE DOCTOR 1 DAY CHRISTMAS SPECIAL!!
This weekend Plague Doctor will be bending time and space to place two headline shows in one day! First at the Empress then at Old Bar. It’s a crazy Xmas apocalypse with ROBOTS.
What: Double your sci fi swamp rock dancing
Where: Empress and Old Bar (Carlton North and Fitzoy)
Web: www.facebook.com/events/233327110071327/

THE TERMINATIVITY
Last year they said they would be back and they are! The Terminativity takes the Christmas story and adds time travel, a Terminator T-800, a police manhunt, lasers, pitched battles, a handful of catchy tunes and much, much more….
Cast includes Mike McLeish (KEATING!), Steven Gates (Tripod), Rebecca Barnard, Scott Edgar (Tripod), Andrew McClelland, Lawrence Leung, and songs by Casey Bennetto (KEATING!)
What: Real human tissue over robotic endoskeleton and the true story of Christmas
When: Tuesday December 20 for three nights
Where: Bella Union, Level Trades Hall, cnr Lygon & Victoria Sts, Carlton
Web: www.facebook.com/events/255247781193070/

POP UP FASHION SALE
Whenever I’ve gone fashion shopping in the past, my right hand does all the pointing, but my left hand remains empty and I’ve never known what to do with it. Now, thanks to MIISHKA and St. Ali, I can pop a cup of high-quality joe in old lefty. The huge success of online fashion store MIISHKA is seeing the brains behind the label, Mish Glitman, pack her car full of over 300 vintage and new pieces, shoes and accessories for a pop up sale (up to 80% off) at the equally popular and awesome St. Ali.
What: Pop-up fashion sale and coffee
Where: St. Ali Café – 12-18 Yarra Place, South Melbourne
When: Thurs 15 Dec 15, 10am – 7pm
Web: www.facebook.com/events/237602649640120/